HOMEGROWN Malaysian engineering and automation company Estek Automation Sdn Bhd has officially opened its new manufacturing plant at Batu Kawan Industrial Park (BKIP), marking a significant milestone in its expansion and commitment to advancing local semiconductor technology.
Founded in 2015, Estek specialises in semiconductor automation equipment and intelligent manufacturing solutions, serving an industry that increasingly relies on advanced technologies and greater manufacturing efficiency.
Spanning approximately 50,000 sq ft, the new facility represents an investment of RM20 million and brings together semiconductor equipment manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions and contract manufacturing under one roof.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the opening as an important milestone for the company, enabling it to expand its capabilities and deliver higher-value solutions to the semiconductor industry.
“It is encouraging to see a local company like Estek invest in its own capabilities. It shows the ambition and growing strength of our local engineering companies,” he said in his speech before officiating the new manufacturing plant today.
Also present were InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) Penang director Muhammad Ghaddaffi Sardar Mohamed, and Estek Automation chief executive officer Jacky Lee.
Chow said the Penang government, through InvestPenang and other state agencies, remains committed to working closely with industry players to strengthen the state’s investment ecosystem and support the growth of local companies.
He added that collaboration with federal agencies, including the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), Mida and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), will remain crucial in attracting investments and strengthening the local industrial landscape.
“Together, we will drive investment promotion, support localisation and keep Penang an attractive destination for global and domestic investors alike.
Chow congratulated the management and team of Estek Automation on the opening of this new facility and wished them every success and continued growth in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, Lee said the new facility will enable Estek to expand its manufacturing capacity, strengthen its engineering and research and development (R&D) capabilities, and support its future growth.
“More importantly, it reflects our confidence in Penang and Malaysia as a hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technology.
“Penang has built a strong semiconductor ecosystem, supported by multinational companies, a well-established supply chain and a talented workforce.
“We believe this creates tremendous opportunities for local companies like Estek to grow, innovate and contribute to the industry,” he said.
Lee added that Estek’s ambition extends beyond increasing its manufacturing output, with the company also aiming to develop more Malaysian-made technologies and capture greater value within the global semiconductor supply chain.
He said the company is committed to strengthening its technological capabilities and contributing to the development of Malaysia’s advanced manufacturing industry.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis